Travel to Developing Countries - Infectious Diseases

Common Vector-Borne Diseases

Disease

Countries of Infection

Severity and Symptoms

Treatment and Prevention

Malaria

Parasite transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.

The world's number one infection, and nearly entirely preventable. Found in every tropical or subtropical country in the world.

Initial symptoms are flu-like, with possible nausea and vomiting. The skin may appear yellow. Without prompt treatment, can be fatal. Typically develops 10 - 30 days following exposure. Symptoms can occur up to a year or more after exposure. People who have been in malarial countries should report fever or other symptoms plus travel information to their doctor even months after they return.

Treatment: Immediate treatment is important, but the appropriate treatment depends on the traveler's destination. There is widespread resistance to standard anti-malaria drugs such as chloroquine or primaquine. Alternative drugs include quinine, atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, mefloquine (Lariam), hydrochloroquine, or derivatives of artemisinin.

Prevention: Prevention should focus on minimizing exposure to mosquitoes and "mosquito-proofing" living and sleeping accommodations. Many parasites are resistant to chloroquine. Alternative drugs include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine, and doxycycline. Malarone causes fewer side effects than other drugs. Lariam should not be used by people with history of psychiatric disorders. Doxycycline can cause photosensitivity (skin sensitivity to light), and it cannot be taken by children or pregnant women.

Yellow Fever

Arbovirus transmitted by mosquito.

Nearly all cases occur in African countries near the equator and in tropical parts of South America.

Initial symptoms are usually flu-like and include headache, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Severe symptoms include jaundice and hemorrhagic fever. Fatal in 23% of cases with severe symptoms. People who recover are immune for life.

Treatment: No exact treatment regimen for symptoms.

Prevention:Vaccination recommended before traveling to endemic areas. Vaccinations required for entry into certain countries. Vaccine not usually recommended for pregnant women, infants, nursing mothers, immunocompromised patients, or patients with history of thymus gland disease.